PETALING JAYA: MCA has thanked His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for granting a conditional pardon to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Its president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the party viewed the judicial and pardon processes as two distinct processes within the framework of the nation's Constitution.
"Accordingly, respecting the decision of the Pardons Board does not mean denying the court's decision, just as respecting the court's decision does not mean questioning the power of pardon provided by the Constitution.
"Both form an integral part of the country's legal and constitutional system and must be respected," he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 18).
MCA, Dr Wee added, would continue to uphold the principles and supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law as enshrined in the Rukun Negara, while honouring the institution of a constitutional monarchy, which serves as one of the nation's primary pillars.
"Our party will also remain steadfast in the principle that institutions must be respected, the law must be upheld, and integrity must be defended," he said.
Earlier on Friday, the King granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
The conditional pardon is subject to the payment of a RM50mil fine and compliance with the conditions imposed throughout the period of house arrest.
The Legal Affairs Division (Bheuu) of the Prime Minister's Department announced that the decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara.
